LeBron James appears to be nearing a decision on his next team, and a growing number of NBA executives believe the Golden State Warriors have overtaken the Cleveland Cavaliers as the most likely destination for the four-time MVP.
According to Front Office Sports’ Alex Schiffer, multiple Western Conference executives expect James to sign with the Warriors for his 24th NBA season. While prediction markets and recent speculation have leaned toward a return to Cleveland, league sources surveyed by Front Office Sports believe the race has largely narrowed to Golden State and the Cavaliers.
“I would be stunned if he picked a team that wasn’t Golden State or Cleveland,” one Western Conference executive told Front Office Sports. Another executive pointed to Golden State’s proximity to James’ family in Los Angeles, while others highlighted the basketball fit alongside Stephen Curry as a major advantage over Cleveland’s already star-studded lineup featuring James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
The report comes as NBA insider Chris Haynes revealed that James has completed the information-gathering stage of free agency. Haynes said he spoke with James’ longtime agent, Rich Paul, who indicated that all meetings and recruitment efforts are finished.
“I’ve talked to LeBron James’ agent Rich Paul and he said [LeBron] has all the information needed. So now it’s all up to LeBron James to make a decision,” Haynes said.
That update suggests a decision could arrive soon after weeks of discussions involving several contenders. While the Warriors and Cavaliers remain the primary options, Miami and Philadelphia have also been linked to the 41-year-old forward during the process.
NBA insider Jake Fischer recently reported that Golden State remains “as involved as any team” despite widespread speculation surrounding a Cleveland reunion. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has also urged caution about reports portraying the Cavaliers as overwhelming favorites, noting that league-wide information has remained inconsistent.
From a basketball standpoint, Golden State offers James the opportunity to join another championship-tested core. Curry averaged 26.6 points while shooting 39.3 percent from three-point range in 43 games last season. Jimmy Butler added 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists after joining the Warriors, while Brandin Podziemski contributed 13.8 points and 5.1 rebounds across all 82 games.
The Warriors, however, are also looking to rebound from a disappointing 37-45 campaign that left them 10th in the Western Conference and outside the playoffs. Their offseason has included re-signing Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Charles Bassey, drafting Yaxel Lendeborg with the 11th overall pick and maintaining flexibility to pursue a marquee addition.
James continues to produce at an elite level entering what would be his 24th NBA season. During the 2025-26 campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers, he averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 60 games while helping the team finish 53-29 and capture the Pacific Division title. The Lakers were eliminated in the Western Conference semifinals after being swept 4-0 by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
A return to Cleveland would also present a compelling storyline. The Cavaliers finished 52-30 before reaching the Eastern Conference finals, where they were swept by the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks. But if the views of rival executives prove accurate, James could instead head west once again, joining Curry, Butler and Draymond Green in what would instantly become one of the NBA’s most experienced and recognizable veteran trios.
